Statement regarding GUU Ancients Debating Championship

The University has made clear in public statements and in direct communications with students and staff that the University of Glasgow cannot and will not tolerate abusive, threatening or sexist behaviour.

As soon as the incident came to our attention we began an urgent investigation. If any students are found to have breached our code of conduct then appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken against them.

The Principal has written to the two women speakers involved to apologise and to outline the measures that are now being taken. He also met with the President of the Glasgow University Union where assurances were sought – and given – that lessons would be learned and acted upon to ensure that nothing of this nature ever happens again.

The Glasgow University Union has now begun an investigation into the incidents that are alleged to have taken place and will make the findings public in due course, in accordance with their constitution. These findings will also be taken into consideration by the University as part of our own proceedings. Once the investigations by the University are concluded into these episodes, and indeed any other concerns which are brought to our attention, they will certainly produce a number of recommendations which we will implement.

The excellence of the student experience is one of the defining virtues of the University of Glasgow and we are all committed to ensuring that remains the case.